derris root
Học thuậtThân thiện
The gardener carefully handles derris root while preparing a natural insecticide.
Definition
- Noun:
- A woody vine with specific botanical characteristics: "derris root" refers to the root of a woody vine (Derris species, particularly Derris elliptica) that has bright green leaves and clusters of rose-tinted white flowers. The root is notable for containing rotenone, a natural compound.
- A source of rotenone: The term specifically denotes the plant part (the root) that is harvested because its swollen roots contain the insecticide and piscicide rotenone.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The farmers used powdered derris root as an organic pesticide in their fields.
- Rotenone, extracted from derris root, is toxic to fish.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical and agricultural contexts: The term is used precisely to identify the plant material used for its rotenone content, distinguishing it from other plant parts or species.
- The study compared the rotenone yield from different batches of dried derris root.
Variants and Related Words
- Derris: The genus name for the vine itself.
- Several species of Derris are cultivated for their roots.
- Rotenone: The active chemical compound found in derris root.
- Rotenone derived from derris root disrupts cellular respiration in insects.
Synonyms
- Tuba root (a common name in Southeast Asia for root).
- Fish poison vine root (a descriptive name referencing one of its uses).
Notes on Meaning
- The term "derris root" is a compound noun. The primary definition centers on the root of the Derris plant and its property of containing rotenone. It is not typically used in a figurative sense.
The gardener carefully handles derris root while preparing a natural insecticide.
Noun
- woody vine having bright green leaves and racemes of rose-tinted white flowers; the swollen roots contain rotenone